Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is a rotator cuff injury?
- How common are rotator cuff injuries?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes rotator cuff injury?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for rotator cuff injury?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for a rotator cuff injury?
- What are the usual tests for rotator cuff injuries?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a rotator cuff injury?
Definition
What is a rotator cuff injury?
Rotator cuff injury is an injury to part or all of the ligament in the rotation of the shoulder joint.
The shoulder area has 3 types of bones (such as shoulder blades, clavicle and humerus) and 3 joints (arm joint, articular joint cartilage (ACJ), and sternoclavicular). The shoulders have the greatest range of motion than the joints but are more prone to injury.
The large deltoid muscles provide the most force to move the shoulder. Under the deltoid are four joint rotational muscles that retract the movement of the shoulder. Ligaments are the parts that bind muscles to bones. The rotator cuff is created by the muscles and ligaments supporting the upper arm in the shoulder joint.
How common are rotator cuff injuries?
Rotator cuff injuries are common, but occur more frequently in people who are over 40 years of age or who use too much and repetitive arm function.
This can be prevented by reducing your risk factors. Discuss with your doctor for more information.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of a rotator cuff injury?
If you have a rotator cuff injury, the symptoms are mainly shoulder pain, especially when your hands are higher than your head. Arms and shoulders can also be weaker than normal. Other symptoms include pain when combing hair and lying down. You may feel pain when pushing objects with your hands, but when you pull your hands back, the pain is not felt.
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor. Everyone's body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.
Cause
What causes rotator cuff injury?
The cause of damage to the rotator cuff is an injury you may experience. The tendons connect the bones to the shoulder. Damage usually occurs in activities or jobs that involve moving the hand up and down such as baseball, swimming, painting houses, and carpentry.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for rotator cuff injury?
Certain factors that increase your risk of developing a rotator cuff injury include:
- age: The older you are, the higher the risk you have, especially for those over the age of 40
- some sports activities: Usually occurs in athletes who frequently move their hands to play, such as baseball, archery and tennis
- working in construction: For example, carpenters or plumbers, house painters, whose work requires several movements of the arm, especially the position of the arm above the head, which is carried out for a long time will cause this disease
- family history of disease: This disease is related to genetic factors
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for a rotator cuff injury?
Rotator cuff damage can usually be treated with non-surgical methods. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and reduce pain.
Exercise combined with physical therapy can help reduce pain and bring arm rotation to a healthy level. An ice pack on the shoulder can also help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
When physical therapy is ineffective or the rotator is completely damaged, the doctor may prescribe surgery to reduce pressure. Torn ligaments can be repaired with minor open or arthroscopic surgery. Surgery is performed to remove the lower end of the shoulder, treat other inflammation and remove the damaged rotator joint.
What are the usual tests for rotator cuff injuries?
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and perform a physical exam to diagnose whether you have a rotator cuff injury. Your doctor will also try to move your shoulder and arm in a specific direction for examination. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is very helpful if the doctor suspects that there is a tear.
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat a rotator cuff injury?
Here are the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with a rotator cuff injury:
- use medication and do exercise as recommended.
- for the rest of the arm, sometimes all you need to do is relax.
- try to work with an uninjured hand.
- call your doctor if your pain keeps you from sleeping and isn't controlled by non-prescription medications
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
